ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The beach at Yates Park remained closed Thursday night after a harmful algae bloom was discovered in Green Lake.
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper officials say that the algae can produce dangerous toxins. Harmful algae blooms generally happen in slow moving water when algae multiplies rapidly.
People and pets are told to stay out of any discolored water, even after the algae bloom recedes.
There is no word yet on when the beach will reopen.
Beach closings are not completely uncommon in Western New York. Olcott Beach routinely closes during the summer months due to water quality issues, with the Niagara County Department of Health constantly taking tests there.